Ex officer barred for sexually harassing colleague

Rob Cousen admitted his actions amounted to gross misconduct

A former chief superintendent has been barred from policing after sexually harassing a junior female colleague for eight months.

Rob Cousen, former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer, obtained the personal phone number of a female officer and sent her unsolicited messages, including photographs of his penis, an independent panel found.

Former Ch Supt Cousen also tried to meet up with her outside of work hours between December 2021 and May 2022.

"Rob Cousen's actions were totally out of order," GMP Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said. "I want to pay tribute to the female officer for having the courage to come forward and report this."

Rob Cousen took early retirement on 30 November

"Frankly, this behaviour is far from the standard expected of any GMP officer, but particularly one who holds a rank where strong and professional leadership is the most fundamental requirement," Dep Ch Con Woods added.

"Leadership without the best in quality, standards and behaviour is not leadership fit for the GMP of today.

'Gross misconduct'

Mr Cousen was the District Commander of our City of Manchester District before he was suspended from duty in October 2022.

He was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by GMP after allegations of sexual harassment.

He denied misconduct throughout the independent investigation, which ran from October 2022 - and concluded in September 2024.

Mr Cousen tendered his notice of early retirement on Friday 24 October 2025 and took early retirement from the Force on Sunday 30 November 2025.

At a misconduct hearing at force headquarters on Monday, 1 December, Cousen admitted his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

The hearing ruled that Cousen would have been dismissed had he still been serving.

'Abuse of position'

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said it is vital that victims or witnesses of inappropriate behaviour by police officers feel confident to report it.

"Former Ch Supt Cousen knew perfectly well the standards of professional behaviour expected of him, whether on or off duty," she said.

"His actions were an abuse of his position, which must have been deeply unpleasant for the officer he targeted, and also seriously risks damaging the public's confidence in policing.

"The seriousness of Ch Supt Cousen's actions were exacerbated by his senior rank and level of responsibility.

"His behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he has been rightly barred from working in policing again."

'Deeply frustrating'

Both Ms Rowe and Greater Manchester Police have expressed frustration with Mr Cousen for choosing to deny the allegations, and delay the investigation.

Ms Rowe said: "It is deeply frustrating that he chose to continue to deny the allegations for two years following our investigation, considerably delaying this outcome, only to admit what he had done at the last moment.

"This is unfair on those impacted by this investigation and highlights what we have been saying for some time about the accountability system needing major reform.

"This is something we continue to make the case for and look forward to contributing to the government's upcoming review of barriers to timeliness within the system."